Sodium p-toluenesulfonate | Solubility of Things

Identification

Molecular formula

C₇H₇NaO₃S

CAS number

657-84-1

IUPAC name

sodium;4-methylbenzenesulfonate

State

Sodium p-toluenesulfonate is generally found in solid form at room temperature.

Melting point (Celsius)

302.00

Melting point (Kelvin)

575.00

Boiling point (Celsius)

290.00

Boiling point (Kelvin)

563.00

General information

Molecular weight

194.19g/mol

Molar mass

194.1930g/mol

Density

1.2990g/cm³

Appearence

Sodium p-toluenesulfonate typically appears as a white crystalline solid. It is often available in powder form and is soluble in water, resulting in a clear to slightly cloudy solution.

Comment on solubility

Solubility of Sodium 4-Methylbenzenesulfonate

Sodium 4-methylbenzenesulfonate, a sodium salt of 4-methylbenzenesulfonic acid, exhibits interesting solubility characteristics that make it a valuable compound in various applications. Understanding its solubility can be crucial for practical uses. Here are some key points to consider:

High solubility in water: Sodium 4-methylbenzenesulfonate is known for its excellent solubility in polar solvents, especially water. This is primarily due to the presence of the sodium ion, which favors the dissolution process.
Behavior in organic solvents: While it is highly soluble in water, its solubility in organic solvents is significantly lower. This characteristic can be advantageous for specific reactions and applications where a polar environment is beneficial.
Temperature dependence: Like many salts, the solubility of sodium 4-methylbenzenesulfonate can change with temperature. As the temperature increases, solubility tends to increase, allowing for concentrated solutions at elevated temperatures.

In summary, the solubility properties of sodium 4-methylbenzenesulfonate are primarily characterized by its high solubility in water and limited solubility in organic solvents. This makes it a versatile compound for use in various chemical processes, especially where aqueous solutions are required.

Interesting facts

Interesting Facts About Sodium 4-Methylbenzenesulfonate

Sodium 4-methylbenzenesulfonate, often referred to as a versatile chemical compound, has numerous applications that make it significant in various fields of research and industry. Here are some engaging insights into this compound:

Structure and Composition: The compound features a sulfonate group, which is known for its strong electronegativity. This enhances its solubility in water and increases its reactivity with other compounds.
Applications in Synthesis: Sodium 4-methylbenzenesulfonate is frequently utilized as a reagent in organic synthesis. It plays a crucial role in the preparation of sulfonamides, which are important in pharmaceuticals.
Surfactant Qualities: This compound exhibits surfactant properties, making it effective in reducing surface tension in solutions. This makes it valuable in detergents and cleaning products.
Environmental Impact: Studies indicate that sulfonate compounds like sodium 4-methylbenzenesulfonate are generally more environmentally friendly than their sulfonic acid counterparts, thereby minimizing the ecological footprint of their use.
Biochemical Relevance: In the biochemical realm, sodium 4-methylbenzenesulfonate serves as a tool for studying protein interactions and cell membrane dynamics due to its influence on protein solubility.

As a compound that embodies both functionality and versatility, sodium 4-methylbenzenesulfonate stands out for its role in advancing scientific research and industrial applications. Its contributions span from chemical syntheses to environmental science, showcasing the interconnectedness of chemistry with nature and technology.

In the words of a renowned chemist, "Chemistry is the study of transformation – and compounds like our sodium 4-methylbenzenesulfonate exemplify how even simple structures can have profound implications."